Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09MONTEVIDEO172
2009-03-30 14:48:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Montevideo
Cable title:
URUGUAY PROGRESS ON TIP: FIRST PROSECUTIONS BEGIN
how-toVZCZCXYZ0000 PP RUEHWEB DE RUEHMN #0172 0891448 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 301448Z MAR 09 FM AMEMBASSY MONTEVIDEO TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8904
UNCLAS MONTEVIDEO 000172
SIPDIS
WHA/BSC FOR DASCHBACH
DRL/TIP FOR BFLECK
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV UY
SUBJECT: URUGUAY PROGRESS ON TIP: FIRST PROSECUTIONS BEGIN
UNDER 2008 TIP LAW
UNCLAS MONTEVIDEO 000172
SIPDIS
WHA/BSC FOR DASCHBACH
DRL/TIP FOR BFLECK
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV UY
SUBJECT: URUGUAY PROGRESS ON TIP: FIRST PROSECUTIONS BEGIN
UNDER 2008 TIP LAW
1. On March 25, two members of a four-member criminal
network were criminally charged with trafficking women to
Spain. The investigation had previously focused on money
laundering and involvement with drug trafficking, but
investigators believe they uncovered enough evidence to
augment those accusations with a trafficking charge.
Although not a new case, this is the first time Uruguay will
apply its trafficking in persons law that was enacted in
2008.
2. The two accused have been in prison since September 2008.
The investigation began with the arrest of two women in
Montevideo's Carrasco Airport who were carrying over 30,000
euros from drug proceeds. Investigators say that the
organization used "mules" to carry cocaine into Spain and
Italy and to return with the money. Investigators now
believe that the organization also sent between seven and 10
women to Spain to participate in prostitution. Recently
returned from the International Law Enforcement Academy
training on trafficking in persons (TIP),public prosecutor
Adriana di Giavanni sees this case as a powerful example of
how the judicial system has the power to identify TIP cases.
She stated that she hoped this case would serve as an
impetus for a more active approach to identifying and
prosecuting TIP.
3. Comment: GOU officials rightly see this as an important
step in strengthening the fight against TIP, and we believe
it demonstrates their commitment to enforce the new
sanctions. The GOU has recently increased Uruguayan
participation in bilateral and regional training
opportunities (e.g. Embassy Montevideo just sent a group of
six individuals to the International Law Enforcement Academy
in Lima for a TIP course). The GOU recognizes the importance
of awareness of human trafficking and the necessity of law
enforcement and the judicial system becoming integral
elements in its prevention. End comment.
Matthewman
SIPDIS
WHA/BSC FOR DASCHBACH
DRL/TIP FOR BFLECK
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV UY
SUBJECT: URUGUAY PROGRESS ON TIP: FIRST PROSECUTIONS BEGIN
UNDER 2008 TIP LAW
1. On March 25, two members of a four-member criminal
network were criminally charged with trafficking women to
Spain. The investigation had previously focused on money
laundering and involvement with drug trafficking, but
investigators believe they uncovered enough evidence to
augment those accusations with a trafficking charge.
Although not a new case, this is the first time Uruguay will
apply its trafficking in persons law that was enacted in
2008.
2. The two accused have been in prison since September 2008.
The investigation began with the arrest of two women in
Montevideo's Carrasco Airport who were carrying over 30,000
euros from drug proceeds. Investigators say that the
organization used "mules" to carry cocaine into Spain and
Italy and to return with the money. Investigators now
believe that the organization also sent between seven and 10
women to Spain to participate in prostitution. Recently
returned from the International Law Enforcement Academy
training on trafficking in persons (TIP),public prosecutor
Adriana di Giavanni sees this case as a powerful example of
how the judicial system has the power to identify TIP cases.
She stated that she hoped this case would serve as an
impetus for a more active approach to identifying and
prosecuting TIP.
3. Comment: GOU officials rightly see this as an important
step in strengthening the fight against TIP, and we believe
it demonstrates their commitment to enforce the new
sanctions. The GOU has recently increased Uruguayan
participation in bilateral and regional training
opportunities (e.g. Embassy Montevideo just sent a group of
six individuals to the International Law Enforcement Academy
in Lima for a TIP course). The GOU recognizes the importance
of awareness of human trafficking and the necessity of law
enforcement and the judicial system becoming integral
elements in its prevention. End comment.
Matthewman